Powdercoaters unite for quality by Qualicoat

As of April this year, fourteen of the country's major powdercoating plants joined forces to become part of the international benchmark of quality that is Qualicoat.

In an Australian first, Alspec, Architectural Window Systems, Australian Aluminium Finishing, Bradnams, Capral, Trend, Vantage and Verticote have banded together with powder suppliers Akzo Nobel, Dulux and Jotun under the Qualicoat banner.

Qualicoat is more than an industry association; it's an accreditation system that has operated globally for 20 years, which verifies the quality of the powder coating materials and processes of its members.

Bill Wyllie, Qualicoat President, says "It is estimated that Qualicoat now represents upwards of 65% of the Australian market. This figure is increasing rapidly as architects, designers, facility managers, urban planners and builders recognise the benefits of specifying powdercoated aluminium to the Qualicoat standard.

Bill continues, "...the surge in Qualicoat membership and interest in compliance has come about as every level of our industry identifies the need for independent quality control. Quality issues of some imported products, strict guidelines set in the BCA and the changing environment are just some of the many reasons why third party accreditation is vital to the growth of the industry. It's imperative that when you're specifying powdercoated aluminium, you request the applicator's Qualicoat licence number."

What sets Qualicoat apart is the fact that its members are independently audited for compliance to Australian Standards.

The system compounds the existing quality requirements of the major powder suppliers, so fabricators and architects who specify Qualicoat are protected by two levels of assurance. This means that both the powder and the application of powder are covered by a seven year warranty, leaving no room for liability to the fabricator or specifier.

Zel Medak, General Manager of Powder Coatings, Akzo Nobel, comments "The Qualicoat scheme compliments our strict quality requirements. The outcome of this collaboration is a high quality powdercoated aluminium product that provides the consumer with confidence and satisfaction."

The Qualicoat system guarantees quality and compliance to all relevant Australian Standards for powder coated metal finishing as set in the BCA, which also stipulates that suppliers must provide a seven year guarantee on building products and materials.

Members are inspected by Azuma Design, which runs a testing laboratory that has NATA approval and also runs its business through a management system of Iso 9001-2000. This year, Qualicoat will purchase a salt spray cabinet, so offering another level of testing for its members.

Craig Brennan, Azuma auditor, says "Azuma administers two random audits of Qualicoat members annually. So to know you're dealing with an accredited applicator or manufacturer, ask for their Qualicoat licence number, which is your proof they meet or exceed Australian Standards."

Some of the industry's most prolific associations such as the Australasian Institute of Surface Finishing, Australian Window Association and the Australian Aluminium Council endorse Qualicoat.